NYSED School Library Media Program Evaluation Rubric

Research shows that one of the chief characteristics of a high performing school is a quality Library Media Program. Based upon this research, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) supports the importance of efforts by School Boards, Superintendents, Principals, Library Media Specialists, school districts, and communities throughout the State in helping students learn more, achieve better grades, and score higher through building and supporting strong school library media programs .

In this effort NYSED has developed a self-assessment instrument for use by teachers, librarians, students, administrators, parents, and school community members to assess the Library Media Program across 25 different "Essential Elements." The School Library Media Program Evaluation (SLMPE) rubric is recommended for use to create Library Media Program self-assessments that include qualitative and quantitative evidence and aid in development of action plans for program improvements that strive to reach "Proficient" or "Distinguished" status in each "Essential Element", meet higher learning standards, and improve student achievement.